Ken Bates denies Swansea rightful place in sun

By Jasper Gerrard

12:01AM BST 24 Apr 2008

Ken Bates has never been exactly simpatico. Hacks have been mysteriously blind to his charms ever since he informed them that while he was to repair to his country estate, they could go forth back to their council estates. I quite like that about him: life needs its pantomime Punches, and few punch harder than Bates.

Leeds' attempt to win back 15 points has left League One mired in obfuscation. Leeds were deducted points for entering administration, as per the rules. This was to stop clubs running up massive debts and then avoiding the tab, a trail first blazed by, er, Leeds - although, to be fair, this was under a previous regime.

Bates said the decision was unjustified. Meanwhile, Swansea must wait to be crowned champions.

It is outrageous, and that is just the stuff we know about. Phil Willis, Lib Dem MP, calls on the Serious Fraud Office "to investigate whether criminal activity, including money-laundering, has taken place."

The division from which Leeds seek to escape is so dire it renders the Championship a home of Messi-esque mastery. If Leeds can't even win there, they shouldn't be allowed to behind closed doors. Alas, it seems some folk never know when they are beaten.